Help the Red Cross prepare for emergencies by donating blood

September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross asks eligible donors to help prepare for emergencies by giving blood.

September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross asks eligible donors to help prepare for emergencies by giving blood.

National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, workplaces and communities. The mission of the Red Cross is to help the public prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. One way you can support the mission is to become a regular blood donor.

“It’s important to have a stable blood supply at all times to help ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of patients in every emergency,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the Red Cross North Central Blood services Region. “It can take up to three days for donated blood to be tested and processed and made available for patients. It’s the blood on the shelves when a disaster or emergency strikes that can save the day.”

The stability of our nation’s blood supply is in the hands of healthy volunteer blood donors who give generously for others in need. Schedule an appointment to donate today to help the Red Cross prepare for the need of patients across the country.

For information about other ways to help prepare for emergencies, visit redcross.org or ready.gov.

Donations will be collected at the St. James two-day blood drive taking place Thursday, Sept. 12 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor care or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals whoa re 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

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